Karachi : Markets closed once again

KARACHI: The financial capital of Pakistan descended into panic and fear again after aerial firing triggered closure of commercial activities in various areas.

Hours after life returned to the metropolis today, aerial firing was reported in Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Liaqatabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Golimar, Garden, Solder Bazaar, Shahfaisal, Landhi, Korangi and other areas where frightened people closed down all kind of business activities.

Major markets of the city shuttered down within an hour, with filling stations also closed. The same situation was reported in other cities of Sindh as well.

However, MQM Coordination Committee disowned elements involved in forceful closure of businesses.

“MQM has nothing to do with those getting shops and markets forcefully closed. People of Karachi are requested to continue their business activities,” MQM’s Amin-ul-Haq said in a statement.

Police and Rangers were patrolling in various localities.

Meanwhile, Additional IG Karachi, Ghulam Qadir Thebo, vowed to provide all out security to people saying that cases would be registered against those involved in spreading tension.

Karachi, home to 20 million, remained shut for two days after MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s arrest in London on Tuesday. He was arrested by British authorities in money laundering case after months of investigation.

Hussain is still under police custody in London’s Wellington hospital.